S. Korean consumers show mixed reaction to LG new smartphone

SEOUL -- South Korean consumers expressed anticipation and curiosity at G7 ThinQ, the new smartphone of LG Electronics after it was showcased first in New York.

The new flagship has everything the latest smartphone has to offer -- a 6.1-inch display with twice the maximum brightness of other ordinary phones, a dual-lens camera armed with AI and a Boombox feature which the phone turns any metal and wood object into a speaker which comes in contact with it.

Just like its rivals such as Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy series, G7 is fitted with ThinQ, LG's AI platform, to provide convenient and easy user experiences. The phone can also control other home appliances such as TVs, refrigerators and washing machines.

Drawn by G7's fancy features, many tech-savvy consumers at home expressed anticipation on online IT communities. "Sasuka", a user from South Korea's online IT community Clien, praised LG for coming up with a beautiful phone: "The design is just wonderful! I think it's time for me to change my phone!" Another user "Squany" said, "I can't wait to get my hands on the new G7."

Some users remained disappointed, complaining the camera module has not changed much from LG's V30, a smartphone released in August last year. They said the new phone's battery was too small. LG will start receiving pre-orders on May 11 before releasing it in South Korea on May 18.

Cho Ju-wan, who heads LG's business in the United States, said the new phone would help his company seek a turnaround in the North American market. "We need to seek a turnaround in the smartphone segment in the North American market."